Frayed MagSafe power connector? There’s now a settlement for that

If you're an owner of a T-style MagSafe connector that has frayed through no …

Raise your hand if you have owned a MacBook or MacBook Pro with a "T" style MagSafe connector that has frayed and possibly even exposed live wires to you and all your lovely flammable furniture? This happened to me at least three times before I switched to a MacBook Air, which has the newer style "L" shaped MagSafe that doesn't seem to fray so easily. Now, Apple has settled a lawsuit filed over the T-shaped MagSafe connectors that have frayed and has started an adapter replacement program, allowing users whose MagSafes are both in and out of warranty to get a replacement.

Apple mentioned its MagSafe Replacement Program in a support document (hat tip to MacRumors) on Tuesday, referring to the problem as "strain relief." If you have an Apple adapter that shows this problem, you can take it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple retail store, where it will be evaluated and potentially replaced.

"Pending the results of evaluation, you may or may not be eligible for a replacement adapter free of charge," says Apple. "Signs of accidental damage would negate any coverage. Be sure to bring in the computer used with the adapter; it is required to process potential adapter replacements."

The settlement part comes in if you have already spent money replacing your adapter that showed "strain relief damage." If you purchased the replacement within the first three years of owning the MacBook or MacBook Pro that came with your frayed adapter, you could be eligible of up to a maximum of $79 as a reimbursement for your purchase. If you bought more than one replacement, you're in luck, as the settlement allows for you to submit up to three claims per machine. More information can be found on the settlement website, which has all the necessary forms if you plan to file a claim.